Recent progress of graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials for cancer treatment
Lijun Liu, Qingming Ma, Jie Cao, Yang Gao, Shangcong Han, Yan Liang, Tingting Zhang, Yang Song, Yong Sun
Abstract
Abstract Background In the last decade, graphene oxide-based nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have attracted more and more attention in the field of biomedicine. Due to the versatile surface functionalization, ultra-high surface area, and excellent biocompatibility of graphene oxide-based nanomaterials, which hold better promise for potential applications than among other nanomaterials in biomedical fields including drug/gene delivery, biomolecules detection, tissue engineering, especially in cancer treatment. Results Here, we review the recent progress of graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials for cancer treatment. A comprehensive and in-depth depiction of unique property of graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials is first interpreted, with particular descriptions about the suitability for applying in cancer therapy. Afterward, recently emerging representative applications of graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials in antitumor therapy, including as an ideal carrier for drugs/genes, phototherapy, and bioimaging, are systematically summarized. Then, the biosafety of the graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials is reviewed. Conclusions Finally, the conclusions and perspectives on further advancing the graphene oxide-based multifunctional nanomaterials toward potential and versatile development for fundamental researches and nanomedicine are proposed. Graphic abstract